By: Dirandra Falguni )*
Qatar’s US$2 billion investment commitment to the Daya Anagata Nusantara Investment Management Agency (Danantara) is an important milestone in strengthening economic cooperation between Indonesia and Qatar. This announcement was made directly by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, after attending the CEO Forum in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, April 13, 2024. This momentum not only reflects the success of Indonesia’s economic diplomacy, but also serves as concrete evidence of the increasing trust of the international community in the stability and potential for Indonesia’s economic growth.
In his statement to the media, President Prabowo said that his meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, was very productive and full of enthusiasm. The two countries agreed to strengthen economic cooperation by establishing a joint fund worth US$2 billion which will be channeled through Danantara. President Prabowo said that His Highness the Emir directly expressed his interest in investing in Danantara Indonesia. This figure is very significant and shows Qatar’s seriousness in establishing a long-term partnership with Indonesia.
The success of this diplomacy did not occur in a vacuum. President Prabowo’s state visit to Qatar began with an official ceremony at the Amiri Diwan Palace accompanied by military salutes and the playing of the national anthems of both countries. A series of bilateral meetings, one-on-one dialogues, and the signing of a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) emphasized the close diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. Also present in the Indonesian entourage were a number of important ministers, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani, and the Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar Ridwan Hassan.
This strategic investment from Qatar is a breath of fresh air for the Indonesian economy. Funds amounting to US$2 billion (around Rp32 trillion) will be used to fund various national development and strategic projects. Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of BPI Danantara, Pandu Sjahrir, said that the allocation of these funds will be focused on crucial sectors such as food security, energy, downstreaming of raw materials, digital infrastructure, and the health and tourism sectors. This investment is not only about investing capital, but also the transfer of knowledge and technology. The investment must bring added value that can increase national productivity and output.
In addition, President Prabowo revealed that Indonesia will also invest in Qatar in a two-way cooperation scheme. This shows an equal and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries, not an unequal relationship. This decision reflects President Prabowo’s grand vision in building a global strategic partnership based on trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
Qatar’s investment through Danantara also strengthens Indonesia’s position as a major destination for foreign investment in the Southeast Asia region. Danantara, which was formed as a national strategic investment management agency, is playing a central role in financing National Strategic Projects (PSN). Together with the Ministry of PPN/Bappenas, Danantara has signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration in the management and financing of large projects, including non-APBN projects that are considered to have great economic potential.
Several PSN projects that are being targeted to be financed through the Danantara investment scheme include the construction of an integrated toll road in Sumatra, the development of the Abadi field in the Masela working area in Maluku, and industrial and logistics areas that support energy self-sufficiency. Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy, said that this cooperation is a strategic step in boosting national economic growth to 8 percent as targeted in the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
Qatar’s investment commitment also provides a strong signal to the global community that Indonesia under Prabowo Subianto’s leadership has political stability and a clear direction for economic policy. The increasingly conducive investment climate, legal certainty, and ongoing bureaucratic reform efforts are a special attraction for international investors.
Moreover, this investment is expected to be able to create new jobs, drive the real sector, and improve the welfare of society at large. The Indonesian government has stated its commitment to ensuring that every form of investment has a direct impact on the people, both through infrastructure development, strengthening strategic industries, and improving the quality of human resources.
President Prabowo’s visit to Qatar is not a separate step, but rather part of a series of economic diplomacy to the Middle East which also includes Jordan and other countries. After Qatar, President Prabowo continued his state visit to Amman tomet with King Abdullah II to discuss bilateral cooperation. This shows the seriousness of the Indonesian government in opening the door to wider diplomacy, strengthening relations between countries, and capturing new opportunities for cooperation in strategic sectors.
Qatar’s investment in Danantara is a reflection of international trust in Indonesia. This is not just a number in a financial report, but a symbol of trust that Indonesia is a large country with extraordinary potential. In the hands of a proactive government that is oriented towards international cooperation such as the Prabowo Subianto government, Indonesia is on the right track towards inclusive and sustainable economic progress.
Through this step, Indonesia shows the world that global cooperation is not only about economic profit, but also about building a better future together. And between Indonesia and Qatar, that future is now beginning.
)* the author is a public policy observer
